Successful recruitment is never easy and the transfer market can often be a minefield.

How do you distinguish the difference between a bargain buy and an expensive flop?

That’s the challenge Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United are tasked with this summer, as they bid to bolster their squad amid another promotion push.

After missing out on the top flight by the narrowest of margins last season, it will be a case of quality, rather than quantity when it comes to arrivals at Elland Road.

Last summer, Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison, Jamal Blackman and Barry Douglas were the only recruits to come through the door.

Victor Orta is hard at work on bringing new faces in (Image: Alex Dodd/CameraSport)

Bielsa lifted the squad from 13th to third, despite working with largely the same group of players that had underperformed the previous campaign.

The Argentine’s coaching methods are key to his success, he has played a huge role in improving a number of Leeds’ star players this term.

The financial restraints of running a football club mean the Whites won’t be flush with cash to spend, meaning they will need to spend their time choosing the right prospects to nurture and develop.

With that in mind, here is a pick of some of the best talent in England that could help Leeds reach the promised land, from club’s who may not be challenging at the right end of the table next term.

Luke Freeman – Queens Park Rangers

Freeman was excellent against Leeds at Loftus Road this season (Image: Andrew Kearns/CameraSport)

The talented attacker has been QPR’s best player for a number of seasons, which has led to speculation over his future.

Best placed in the ‘number ten’ role, Freeman can also operate on either wing, with his cultured left foot branded one of the division’s best.

QPR are a side in transition and don’t have much cash to chuck around. Mark Warburton showed at Brentford that he can get the best from a side without the biggest budget, but it’s hard to see Rangers challenging above the top half next season.

With that in mind, Freeman could be a superb addition for Leeds and would ease the burden on Pablo Hernandez as the Whites’ main source of creativity.

Semi Ajayi – Rotherham United

Semi Ajayi won the March Championship player of the month (Image: Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

Despite suffering relegation last season, a number of Rotherham United’s best performers are being touted with Championship moves.

One of those is Ajayi. The central defender, who operated as a midfield anchor for large portions of last season, caught the eye with a string of good performances, not to mention his ‘goal of the month’ nomination for his strike against Leeds in January.

At the age of 23, Ajayi has plenty of room to develop. He has all the key raw attributes to become one of the best defenders in the division. He could add some much-needed pace and athleticism to Whites’ backline, whilst developing his understanding of the game under Bielsa.

Whilst the competition could be fierce for his signature, this could definitely be an avenue worth pursuing.

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James Justin– Luton Town

James Justin is an England youth international

Luton Town might be back in the Championship, but that won’t stop clubs circling around their star fullback.

Justin has caught the eye at Kenilworth Road since breaking through from the academy. He embodies the modern day fullback and is well known for his adventurous, attacking style, which would fit in at Elland Road.

The 21-year-old has already made over 50 appearances in the EFL, whilst he has also been capped by the England Under-20s.